Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Homespun Wrapping Ideas

I haven't quite finished my gift wrapping yet - but I thought I'd share the ones that are done. I wanted to do something different this year, but keep with my signature brown paper wrapping. I have acquired a large amount of vintage craft supplies this year from a variety of sources. The biggest of which was David's aunt who was cleaning out her attic!

I also used fabric scraps, buttons, tissue paper scraps, old ribbon and trims, an old book, felt and thread.

I made the to/from tags out of scraps of cardboard, some ink and more of the trims.

Since this was what I had and it is all cute to begin with - I sat down with all the supplies and started creating - here is what happened:

So, how do the rest of you wrap your gifts? I'd love to hear your ideas!

I LOVE this idea! I usually use brown paper that I sometimes stamp and then a ribbon and decorative tag. I really like the idea of wrapping fabric around the package. I haven't started wrapping yet, so I will hit the craft closet first! Thanks!!

Oh my goodness have you been busy!! I love all the packages. I have been busy making stocking inspired by Pottery Barn. I will email you a pic when I get done. They want $26 a piece with embroidery I got all the material for $15 and then I am taking them to get embroidered. hopefully that won't break me ;o)

The brown paper can be re-used brown paper bags or purchased kraft paper. I buy mine by the roll when Walgreens has it on sale for $1/roll. It really goes a long way - I only use a roll or so for all my gift wrapping. Also, in the past, I've found brown kraft paper on clearance after Christmas! Since this is almost all I use, I keep a stash of it in my gift wrap

those are so beautiful - it would hard for me as a gift receiver to open and ruin the beautiful creation and hard work of the gift giver, though!

I wrap with Christmas paper rolls that we brought with us overseas. I'll be baking cookies for our neighbors this year and plan on using white decorated gift bags with string for wrapping (then tying with strong craft string for hanging on doors).

Love your wrapping ideas! I would love to link to them on my blog with your permission. I've been trying to come up with a source for thrifty wrapping...I have all kinds of things to embellish with, but no base yet. :) I'd like to find a cheap source for something like butcher paper...but I'm going to be watching sales for kraft paper now, too!

Absolutely adorable! I have four rolls of that brown paper that I got on clearance at Walgreens back in July for 59 cents each. I've been planning on letting the kids drawn with green and red markers to make our wrapping paper this year.

Monica:I am just curious. How do you find the time to do all these things with 2 children and 1 on the way??? Everything you do is so lovely. I have just one son (18M) and I can't get a thing started let alone finished!

Anonymous: We don't have any software or anything that edits pictures - but I did this by uploading them to the Wal-Mart photo web site. Then, I edited and saved them back to my computer. You can do this on any number of sites like Snapfish or Kodak as well.

Donna: Yes, lots of people seem to ask that question. Nap times are a blessing! One Saturday, my hubby took the girls to run errands and I sat on the bed all morning and wrapped. The other thing is this was not all done in one session! I did spend a considerable amount of time on each package - so just keep all the supplies gathered on my dresser and wrap one here and there as I can. Once the creative juices start flowing - it is hard to stop! :)

These are wonderful ideas, Monica! They are just too pretty to unwrap and I am sure they look beautiful the tree.

I did find some very cool paper at Target this year and got rolls of velvet ribbon for $1 each and kelly green for a$1 each. I also wrapped in newspaper some and used a deck of cards for our gift tags this year. They turned out really cute, but I am always inspired by your ideas!

We use cloth giftbags reused every year for family exchanges. The first two years, it was a lot of sewing- but after a while, you have enough bags in average sizes. Once in a while, I'll need to sew a bag for an odd shaped item- but then I'll have it for the next time. I made easy bags with ribbons sewn on to tie them shut. Kids use rubber stamps to make new labels every year.

Santa at our house wraps in color coordination for the kids. My eldest DD is red, my eldest DS is green; youngest DD is yellow/gold, and the baby boy is blue. It works for toothbrushes, cups, board game pieces- you name it.

If you gals aren't able to find kraft paper go to your local newspaper and ask for the end rolls. (Here they are free.) They are plain newspaper...no ink. It's a lot lighter than kraft paper but you can doll it up quite nicely. I like to rubber stamp on mine. I actually use one rubber stamp for each person and make a chart for myself to remember who's stamp is what. For example, Noah's package is stamped with candy canes, Rebekah's is stamped with gift boxes, Hannah's is stamped with mittens, etc. No one knows but me who's gift is who's. No shaking and peeking involved! However, I must admit that this year I'm expecting number 7 and not feeling as ambitious (we're also probably moving in a month or so) so I've resorted to dollar store gift wrap. Hope that helps.

oh my goodness....you did SUCH a fabulous job!!! I LOVE it all! What time and beauty you put into each one of those! What an inspiration you are! God has definitely given you a gift of creativity! I thought i was creative...but girl...you make me look bad! LOL GREAT JOB!

Hi, I love your brown paper wrapping ideas, I have already bought the brown paper as I thought a few month ago I would try a traditional wrapping style, I just love brown paper and red ribbons!..... Thank you for sharing your ideas, I am new to your blog and will visit again soon

Your wrapping is so gorgeous! For the kids things... I usually buy 2 different but very pretty papers to keep them separate without using tags until the last minute. I use a lot of brown paper, bought all a store had many years ago for 10­¢ a roll ! Still have several full rolls. Use it for lots of craft projects for the kids too.

Oh, you just amaze me with your creativity! All of those packages are darling.

I am trying to use up all of the clearance paper that I have from Christmases past, then I will start using brown paper for all gifts, but tying them with different color ribbons for different occasions. I am trying to simplify everything in my life and this is one idea I just love!

Monica:You truly amaze me.I concur with all the others that you are truly gifted with creativity & these packages are too pretty to open. I especially like your Mom's (Looks Victorian!!)You also amaze me with how you manage your time You are truly an inspiration!

WOW!! Love these wrapping ideas!! This year I bought a HUGE roll of really adorable red wrapping paper with white sparkly snowflakes.. and a HUGE roll of gorgeous white sparkly taffeta ribbon.... Everyone's gift is getting the same treatment, except for the tags which will all be different styles...

Hi Monica, I have also been the recipient of some vintage craft supplies. Here is a post of them. This picture doesn't show all a friend's mother has given me. I don't know how to store it all!!!!http://homemakingdreams.blogspot.com/2007/10/sew-crafty-friday_26.html

Your post has given me some ideas. I was thinking those little ball things could be used on a purse maybe...LOL